N-heterocyclic carbene-catalyzed reassembling of dibenzyl ethers: facile access to α-hydroxy ketones

A novel one-pot cascade process of oxidation-initiated, N-heterocyclic carbene catalyzed, reintegration of dibenzyl ethers has been developed for the first time. This protocol allows straightforward access to α-hydroxy ketones from dibenzyl ethers. It is noteworthy that the present method is the first attempt to synthesize benzoin from dibenzyl ether.